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CARIB CHIEF 

A TRAQED1% 
IN FIVE ACTS. 



BY HORACE TWISS, ESQ, 



FROM THE SECOND LOXDOX KDITION. 



Marked as performed at the Ne'W-York Theatre* 



NEW-YORK: 

PUBLISHED BI TU0MA9 LOITOWORTF, 

At the Dramatic Repository, 
8hakbfiear€' Gallery, 



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PROLOGUE, 



BY THE AUTHOR OF THE TRAGEDY. 



[The lines marked by inverted commas are emitted in the recitation.] 



When the rude masters of the early time 
Pursu'd young nature in her yielding prime, 
*' Threw up her maiden veil, and with blest arms 
*' Rifled the wild abundance of her charms," 
Then was each brightest, most expressive grace, 
And loftiest feature of her varying face. 
Painted fiom life, in many a breathing line, 
Warm as herself, and, like herself, divine. 

** The bards that follow 'd, found their choice forC" 
stall'd, 
*' And dealt out copies, classically bald, 
<* Till, at third hand, poor nature was become 
" A flat, evaporate ca/iut mortuum. 
" Then, mad for novelty, inventors drew 
*' Things novel, both in art and nature too ; 
** Persons not human, passions that might seem 
" The over-wrought convulsions of a dream ; 
" Left-handed plots, that mov'd but by the start, 
*' And griefs, that reach*d, but to revolt the heart.** 

Those days are past. If now the means remain 
To wake the Drama into life agaio. 
Where shall we seek them ? Not in monstrous woes. 
The ultra tragedy of spasms and throes ; 
Nor in faint copies from our father's drafts, 
Barren as cuttings of exhausted grafts, — 
But in a fresh adventure to explore 
Nature's own fields, if haply they of yore 
Have, in their forage of that fair demesne, 
Left some ungather'd fruit for us to glean. 



4 PROLOGUE. 

Such is our hope to-night. Our simple plot 
Chooses an unreclaim*d aod distant spot : 
For since the arbiters of taste expect 
All to be new, yet all to be correct, 
No course was left us, but to guide the helm 
To sonie remote, but not unfruitful realm— 
Where no preceding bard had touch'd, to claim 
Possession in his sov'reign muse's name. 

Yet may these sketches of uncultur'd life, 
Its fiery appetite and stormy strife. 
Avail to warn, how passions unreprest 
Usurp, corrode, and desolate the breast ; 
Drag us, unsatisfied, though lengthened years 
Of impotent desires and carking fears ; 
Or bring ac last fruition's fatal joy, 
Like Jove's embrace, in lightnings that destroy 



f 



CARIB CHIEF. 

ACT I. 

SCENE I — a subterraneous cavern. 

TREFUsis rises from a rude seat^and comes forivard. 

Tre. Days, months, and seasons creep away— and 
still 
A dungeon cave in Dominica thus 
Shuts me from light, and love! — And thou, Claudina, 
Dost thou~still mourn thy lost, thy vanquish'd soldier ? 
Or art thou, in this lapse of hopeless years. 
Wearied at last of thinking upon him 
Who cannot cease to think and doat on thee ! 

( Trefusis turns ufi the stage, care al enters through 
a wicket gate^ which he unlocks,) 

Card. What hoa i Trefusis ! 
Tre. Carbal ! come again 

To bring the unwelcome sustenance that prolongs 

This wretched life of mine? 
Carb. I come to bring 

What makes life worth the wishing — liberty ! 

7re. Mock not your prisoner, Carbal ; you were 
wont 

To seem my friend- 
Card. And by my deeds will prove 

That friendship true. If I have risen above 

My rugged nature, turned the ancient priesthood 

Which I inherit, to the means of blessing 
A 2 



6 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

My untaught brethren, and obtained the trust 
And countenance of our king, 'tis your instruction, 
Daily bestowM upon me tht ough your long 
And hard captivity, that has advanced 
And blest niy fortune. You are free, Trefusis. 

Tre. My freedom, and my past imprisonment. 
Are equal mysteries. 

Carb. Mysteries now no more. 
When, sixteen years ago, Montalbert first 
Usurp'd for France our hapless Dominica, 
Two chiefs possessed its rule. Maloch, our prince. 
By tribute of some threescore slaves to France, 
Preserved this northern kingdom : while Omreah, 
The southern chief, resisting, was o'erthrown, 
And sold to bondage. Peace remain'd, till you, 
Two summers since, with England's power, assail'd 
The French possessions here. 

Tre, Pass all the rest, 
And tell me why, on waking from the shock, 
Which in the battle stunn'd and laid me low, 
I found myself a prisoner ? 

Carb. When the fight 
Was over, and the evening breeze sprang up, 
Maloch,our king, went forth with me to search 
For one of his fall'n kindred. Finding you 
Stunn'd as one dead, he bade me bear you hither, 
And fan the spark of life ; that in his hands 
The person of so famed an officer 
Might be a boon for England or for France, 
As best should suit his interests. He at last 
Resolved to treat with France : to tell Montalbert 
The secret of your preservation here. 
And yield your fate to his disposal. 

Tre. How ! 
Is it Montalbert's will that has assign'd me 
This living burial ? Though our public duty 
Ranged us in adverse arms, I yet had hoped 
Our private friendship might survive. 

Carb. But friendship 
Gives way to love. You were betrothM, I think, 



Act 1] CARIB CHIEF. 7 

To that soft, dark-eyed maid, whom in her childhood 
Montalbert rescued from a ruffian's grasp — 
Hif young Claudina 

Tre. Speak ! — my heart grows faint. 

Carb. Montalbert, as it seems, had loved her long : 
But while he thought you living, had repress'd 
His inly burning passion. When you fell 
In battle, he, persuaded of your death, 
Reveal'd his love. The news of your revival 
Came like a blight upon him ; and he charged us 
On peril of our lives to keep the secret, 
And guard you buried in this unknown cell. 
Thus had two years gone by. 

Tre. And has Claudina ? 

Carh. For those two years, she liv'd but to lament 
Her slain I'refusis. Time and gratitude 
At last, though coldly, won Montalbert's suit : 
And only twelve days since, at Gaudaloupe, 
They were united. 

Tre. Why, farewell, then, hope, 
Life, liberty, farewell! 

Carb. Life — liberty 

Are precious now, for they will give you vengeance. 
I long had wish'd to set you free, and profit 
By your experience in the arts of war, 
For shaking off the yoke of France ; but Maloch, 
Oar king, reitrain'd my will. At length, Omreab, 
The chieftain of the south, enlarged from bondage, 
Lands on the isle, excites our Carib warriors, 
And conquers back our southern Dominica : 
While, on the neighbouring coast of Guadaloupe* 
Montalbert's nuptial joys have been disturb'd 
By a strong force of English, which your queen, 
rhe bold Elizabeth, has arm'd from Britam. 

Tre. Justice approaches then ! 

Carb, I urged our king 
To seize the occasion, and throw off the power 
Of tyrant France. Omreah's fortune warm'd 
His cautious spirit; but th' appalling strength 
Of the French fortress on this isle, was still 
A check to our revolt. 



8 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

2Ve. And must be ever, 
Until some good ally shall bring you store 
Of stout artillery. 

Carb. That have I provided 
From England's officers at Guadaloupe. 

Tre. Who is our general there .' 

Carb. Fitzjohn, your comrade ; 
The tidings of your safety gladden*d him : 
And he has promis'd, if to-day shall crown 
The English victory in Guadaloupe, 
He v/ill, this night, dispatch the aids we need 
To storm the fortress here ; of which adventure 
He gives command to you. 

Tre> Could aught revive 
A heart, benumb'd by such despair as mine, 
This call to vengeance might awake its pulse, 
And nerve it into act ! 

Carb. Screen'd by the darkness, 
The English troops will land, and lie conceal'd 
By the north headland, till you send a guide 
To march them toward the fort. And, to prevent 
Ambush, or other stratagem by France, 
Fitzjohn requests the guide, you shall commission, 
May bear this ring, in token that he comes 
At your command. 

Tre. I shall observe his caution : — 
Bui one word more for my distracted heart, 
Then I am all my country's. In the siege 
Of Guadaloupe, how has Claudina fared ? 

Carb. Safely and well. It is Montalbert's purpose, 
For more security, to send her hither : 
Perhaps himself to share her flight and refuge. 

" Tre. Shall I then breathe again the air that fans 
her? 
*' See her perchance within the crumbling towers 
" Of her false lord, and save her iu the assault? 

** Carb. Trust me, whatever else our warriors dare, 
<' Claudina shall be sacred." But 'tis time 
We speed to Maloch's tent. 

Tre, Joy has withdrawn 



Act I] CARIB CHIEF. 9 

Her sunshine ; but the hope of vengeance, like 
The swarthy glow of the swoll'n thunder cloud, 
Yet casts a lustre on the darken'd sky, 
And lights the road to death ! — 

Carb. Away ! away ! [^exewit 

SCENE 11 — the north headland^ overlooking the sea ; 
a watch-tower at the back of the stage. 

enter marian, meeting claudina ancif colmar. 

Mar. Welcome, "dear father, and'* my much- 
lov'd friend : 
Comes not my lord with you ? 

Claud. Montalbert's here. 
Conferring with his soldiers. 

enter montalbert. 

Mont. My Claudin^ ! 
This isle, where I had hoped a shelter for you, 
Is scarce more safe than that we've left. Omreah, 
The untam'd prince o' the south, whom I o'ercame, 
And sold to slavery, having burst his chains, 
Has rais'd the standard of revolt, and seeks 
A vengeance just, though late, for that black hoar, 
Wherein his wife, child, kin, and all his house, 
I grieve to tell, were savagely cut off. 
By our marauding troops. 

Claud Blest had I been. 
If, with so many of the wretched stock 
From whom I sprang, I had in infancy 
Partaken that destruction ! 

Mont. Say rot so : 
The preservation of your life is all 
Thai brightens that dark history. T see you. 
Imploring with your little hands, the wretch 
Who grasp'd your throat, as he prepar*d to slay you 
For those fair gems — the very chain that now 
Adorns your polish'd neck. 



10 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

Clan. I wear it ever, 
In hopes that it may one day prove a clue 
To trace my birth. For my sake, dear my lord, 
Have mercy on my untaught countrymen ; 
And spare the further shedding of that blood 
Whence your Claudina springs! 

Mont. It must be shed, 
If we would spare our own. Omreah's sallies 
Have sorely gall'd our troops : in vain, rewards 
Are offer'd for his life : fear spreads his fame ; » 

Heaven seconds him ; and ev*n our garrison, 
Disheartened by our fall at Guadaloupe, 
Quake at his progress. 

Clau. Thrice unhappy daughter 
Of an unhappy race ' — Where'er I fly, ' 

Misfortune travels with me I 

Mont. We shall yet 
Outstrip her malice. Colmar, to the fort, ^ 

And let that native priest, that glozing Carbal, ^ 

Who was observed at Guadaloupe conveying 
Dispatches and provision to the English, 
Be led to-morrow, by the break of day. 
To execution. 

Clau. Not to-morrow ! Let not 
Death mark our coming. Think, too, of his mother, 
Your Indian nurse, your faithful Kathelrade, 
Whose heart will break to lose him. | 

Mont. For your sake, 
For Kathelrade's I would most gladly spare him ; 
But Dominica is at stake: the traitor 
Would lose us all ; and, at a time like this, 
A soldier's justice must be exemplary. 
See it performed ! — [^exit Colmar 

When sunset cools the air, 
You ton, my love, shall forward to the fort, 
Whilher, when I have duly arm'd this point 
Against surprise from England, I will follow. {^exit 

Mar. I hoped to see your bridal visit paid 
With happier omen. 

Clau. It has one relief, 



Act I] CARIB CHIEF. 11 

That 1 can here embrace my childhood's friend, 
And open all nny aching heart to Marian : 
For these afflictions, with the earlier griefs 
Whose cureless pain has wrung my soul so long, 
Are wasting me to death. 

Mar. The earlier griefs ? 
Have not these nuptial rites, the lapse of time, 
Nor the fresh tumult of this English war. 
Worn out their memory f 

Clau. These have but increased 
My bosom's strife. How may Montalbert's bride 
Dwell without guilt on the too constant love 
She bore another •• Yet, how chaste the thought 
Of him, whose image and fond memory 
This fatal shore so bitterly renews, 
My slaughtered, brave Trefusis I Here he fell, 
in the attenjpt against an adversary 
Whom I have weddtd — who, till war broke forth 
'Twixt France and England, had himself design'd 
Trefusis for my husband. 

Alar. Time, Claudina, 
And your Montalbert's lasting tenderness, 
Will soften these regrets. 

Clau. Heaven knows how truly 
I feel Montalbert's goodness. He preserved 
My infant life : supplied the place of patents. 
Whom haply that wide massacre destroyed ; 
But, oh ! it was Trefusis that alone 
Possessed my love : the few short happy hours 
An orphan girl could know, were made by him, 
Wiih him were lost for ever. 

Mar. We will speak 
No further, till refreshment and repose 
Have cool'd your fever'd pulse. With them return 
The breathing influence of cheerfulness. 
And health-restoring hope. 

Clau. Oh, Marian, never, 
Never again for me. Hope's genial dews, 
So freshly scaiter'd at the dawn of youth, 
Still vanish from us as the burning day 



12 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

Grows fierce ; and we are left at sultry noon. 
Parching and faint, upon the wastes of life ! 

[^exeunt into the watch-tower 

SCENE III — wild scenery with a inountain bridge, 
enter brancho awrfLOGAMAH, meeting. 

Bra. Who comes ? Logamah ? 

Log. Aye ! with welcome tidings 
For prince Omreah. 

Bra. He advances hither 
With speed, but yet with caution : for the French, 
Stung by our victories, have proclaim'd Omreah 
An outlaw, and a rebel : and rewards 
Are offer'd for his head. At every turn 
We apprehend an ambush. 

{wild music at a distance) 

Log. Hark ! — the music 
Of his approaching march swells on the wind — 
His warriors cross the bridge, and in their van 
The prince himself. {wild music nearer) 

{the Caribs cross the bridge under the command of 
Omreah) 

Omr. Halt there, below the crag ! 

Prepare your arms, and be in readiness 

To march again upon the instant. 

{Omreah re-crosses the bridge^ and disappears be- 
hind the rocks^ descending toward the glen where 
Brancho and Logamah are conversing ; they are 
sup/iosed to see him as he descends. The report of 
two musqueta is heard) 

Bra. See! 

What murderous spies are those ?— two Frenchmen, 
lured 

By the proclaim'd reward. Oh, save him ! save him ! 

{Brancho rushes toward the spot where Omreah is 
supposed to be attacked, and begins to climb the 
rocks. The clashing of swords is heard) 



Act I] CARIB CHIEF. 13 

Log. He turns ! — they strike !— he fights ! — he 
warms ! — he rages ! 
The foremost is disarmed — Orareall grasps 
And hurls him down the gulph !— — 

Bra. {sto/i/nng in his ascent) His fellow flies, 
And leaves the prince in safety ! 

Omr. {without) Chase the villain — 
Quick ! — let 'him not escape to tell the tale 
Of our approach — quick — follow ! 

enter omr e ah, not reccgnidng' thenij and rushing 
nvildly on, as if against a?2 enemy. 

More assassins ! — 

What ho, there ! — to the rescue ! 

{rrcoveririg himself an'd recognising Brancho and 

Logamah) 
Pardon, friends 1 

I'm chafed and hunted, till my dizzy sight 
Scarce knows its office. Twice within these six 

hours 
Have 1 escaped the European bloodhounds 
Montalbert baits against me. 

Bra. Thank the gods ! 

Omr. I do ! I do ! — They spare me for their work 
Of retribution, and I will perform 
That sacred task of blood, to the last drop 
That curdles in the veins of him I hate. 
What I is his guilty soul so much afraid 
Of open combat with the man he has wrong'd, 
That he must dodge me thus, and set his hirelings 
Upon my path ! — Let them beware of me. 
For the wild quarry yet may make a spring, 
And rend his dastard hunters ! 

Log. They have reach'd 
The end of all their triumph, for I bring you 
News that confirm your purpose and your power. 

Omr. What ! — from the north ^ — ha ! ha ! is Ma- 
loch routed r 
Has he found heart to join our enterprise ? 

Log. My brother Carbal spurred him to the ven- 
ture ; B 



14 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

Urging the shock Montalbert has received 

At Guadaloupe, and this so fair occasion 

To join and crush the remnant of the French. 

Omr. 'Twas bravely reason'd : Maloch joins us, 

then ? 
Log. He does : he knows your warriors are in 
march, 
And trusts to see you in his tents to-night. 
To-morrow, by the dawn of day, we purpose 
To pour upon the French. 

Omr. That when the fate 
Of Guadaloupe drives back Montalbert hither 
For shelter and repose, yon blazing fortress 
May be the bonfire of his welcome here, 
And sudden death his sanctuary — Oh ! 
Death to himself alone! — unequal fate ! 
Why can I reach no further ? Why has he 
No ties like mine — no wife, no child, on whom 
I might repay the slaughter of my own, 
And strike a three-tongued dagger to his heart, 
Such as now cankers mine !— — 

Log. Know you not, then, 
That he comes here a bridegroom ? 

Omr. Can it be i* — - 
Can fate relent ? — and brings his bride to us ? 

Log. Perchance to-morrow : therefore we propose 
To make ihe attack at dawu, lest he arrive 
With further force, andfoil us. 

Omr. Why not strike 
This very night ? — there will be work enough 
t?till left us for to-morrow — Back to Maloch ! 
Say we are coming. [exit Logamah 

Holy Brancho, pray 

The blessing of our gods : then let the warriors 
March on at once, northward, to Maloch's tents. 
The dusk will veil you as j ou pass the fort- 
March ! 

Bra. You're obeyed. [^exit Brancho 

(wild music\ The Indians disafi/iear/rom the rocks) 

Omr. Come, great Montalbert ! bring 
Thy bride, to see and share the devastation 



Act II] CARIB CHIEF. 15 

To-morrow's day.break shall reveal ! — To-morrow ' 
Thou know*st it is the consecrated day, 
The anniversary of that which brought 
Death on my home — 'Twas such an eve as this, 
So soft, so calm, that, sixteen summers since, 
Usher'd that bloodiest morn. Even now, I feel 
Hot on my flesh, the fretting of the chains 
Montalbert lock'd about me ! Even now, 
The same devouring fever kindles here, 

{striking his head) 
That madden'd me, when I beheld my child 
Seized by his ruffians — saw my darling wife, 
The gracious daughter- of a line of kings, 
Murder'd before mine eyes ! — No more, no more, 
Or in the whirl of my distemper*d brain. 
The great revenge I seek will be forgot. 
And my heart burst too soon ! Gods of our land. 
Let him but see his bride, like mine, made captive, 
And sacrificed by me, as mine by him— 
Then, in whatever shape of bitter death. 
Or bitterer life, it please ye cast my lot, 
Body and soul I give myself unto you, 
A martyr — but a conqueror ! \exit 



ACT II. 

SCENE I — before the French fortress^ a woody scene. 
OMRE AH enters cautious ly^and is met by logamah. 

Log. Prince Omreah ! 
So near the hostile fort ? 

Omr. My warriors wind 
Among these woods to gain the northward pass, 
Which leads to Maloch's tent; while 1, alone 
And unobserved, creep close upon the fort ; 
Seeing, unseen, what point of its defence 
Is best assailable. 

Log. Our tribe's suspected. 
My brother Carbal, for his interview 



16 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

With England's officers at Guadeloupe, 
Has been arrested ; and at dawn to-morrow 
Must suffer death — — 

Omr. Must suffer death ! The sacred 
Hereditary servant of our gods ! 
Such sacrifice will only heat our warriors 
To fiercer fury. Was he mad, to tjeat 
With Europeans ? — he deserves his fate. 

Log, But for the aid he has secured from England, 
Our enterprise were vain. 

Omr. I thank you, friend, 
That I am timely warn*d of this alliance : 
If I assist the attack, it shall be made 
Before the hateful sons of Europe come 
To share our glory, or to thwart our justice ! 
^ Log. Soft ! a French guard draws neiir : we must 
divide 

Omr. Take thou the rocky path ; I will observe 
Their movements from this thicket : in an hour 
We'll meet at Maloch's tent. [exit Logamah 

{Omreah conceals himself in a thicket) 

enter d'arcy and soldier Sy meeting colmar, who 
is followed by kathelrade. 

Col. D*A.rcy, well met. 
Our tasks are not completed : with each hour 
The danger grows upon us. We have news 
That this dread Carib prince o' the south, Omreah, 
For whose rebellious head we have in vain 
Proclaim'd so great reward, has left his hills, 
And njarches hither. 

Kath. Hearest thou these dangers, — 
Know'sr. thriu the terror of Omreah's arms, — 
And yet wilt slay my son, my guiltless Cai bal, 
The lightest breathing of whose holy voice 
Could swell, or still the storm ? 

Col. Peace, woman, peace ! 
D'Arcy, select a guard ; hasten to Maloch, 
Our old ally : dwell on the perilous treason. 



Act 11] CARIB CHIEF. 17 

Whereof his priest, young Carbal, stands convicted : 

Flatter his pride — play on his subtle nature, 

And tell him, if he would preserve our friendship, 

And wipe the stain of treachery from his tribe. 

He must, o' the instant, raise his noi thern warriors, 

And march them to our aid, by break of day. 

D'Arcy. I shall not fail. 

Col. King Maloch's tents are scarce 
A short league hence : before the midnight bell, 
I look to see you at the fort again. 
Th« watchword is Defend. 

• [esreunt D^Arcy and soldiers, 

Kath. Defend, — 'tis apt 

For a wrong'd mother's curse is on your heads. 
Oh, murderers! were Montalbert here, your tongues 
Had fester'd ere they had presumed to utter 
The death-doom of my son I 

Col. Montalbert knows 
Thy Carbal's guilt. 

Kath. 'Tis false ! he is not guilty ! 

Col, Nay more ; Montalbert's lips pronounced thfe 
judgment. 
That he should die at dawn. 

Kath, I'll not believe it ! 
His judgment — Be it so : I am justly punish*d ! 
I was the bond-slave of Montalbert's mother ; 
My breast gave suck to him : still, as he grew, 
I lov'd him as my own : He turned his arms 
Against my hapless country : all my race 
Cursed him ; but I was faithful. To this hour 
I've loved him still : and he rewards me now 
By the foul murder of my son, the stay 
Of my lone widowhood. Oh, mercy, mercy! 
Is there no way to save him ? 

Col. *Tis decreed. {going) 

Kath, A moment — 

Col. Pity struggles against justice ; 
I must begone : Omreah is in force. 
And active duties call me Fare thee well : 
And, if tfcou can'st, be patient, [exit 

B 2 



38 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

Kath, Patient, say'st thou } 
Patient to-night, when my son dies at morning ! 
May heaven's swift justice overtake Montalbert, 
For this last blackest sin ! Montalbert, thee— 
And all the oftspring of usurping Europe ! 

Omr. {stealing forivard) The metal glows to ^ 
red heat ; 'lis now 
That we may fashion it. 

Kath. Come thick upon him 
Trouble, alarm, and peril! press him down, 
Ye English foes, that humble France and him ' 
And thou, Omreah, kindred of my race, 
Whose very name makes pale his officers. 
And scares them thus to cry abroad for help, 
Come on, ere help arrive : rush on the fort, 
While yet but half prepared, and in the tumult 
Unlock the fetters of my wretched son ! 

Orm. What would you venture, Kathelrade, for 
this ? 

Kath. Who art thou, that dost ask roe > 

Omr. He your prayers 
Demanded. After sixteen years, you look 
Once more upon Omreah. 

Kath. Does my sight 
Deceive me ? or do I indeed behold 
Him who has suffered, from this fell Montalbert^ 
Wrongs only less than mine? 

Omr. Thou art an Indian, 
Whose land white men have ravaged ; thou'rt a 

mother. 
Whose son e'en now a white man meatis to slny : 
So stung, wilt thou be patient, till the blow 
Fall irremediable, or will thou rather 
Advance a purpose that shall right thy country, 
And save thy son from death r* 

Kath. Shew but the way, 
And let my wrongs be pledges for my faith ! 

Omr. Then on what errand are those soldiers sent, 
Who parted hence but now ? 

Kath. To Maloch's quarter, 



Act II] CARIB CHIEF. 15 

To levy aids against thy fear'd approach. 

Omr. And when return they to t^e fort ? 

Kath. Ere midnight 

Omr. 'Tis well, — 'Tis well — their watch-word is— 

Kath. Defend. 

Omr. Enough ; you've sworn — — 

Kath. I have : what wouldst thou more ? 

Omr. The time cuts off all further parley now % 
Wait in the outer court-yard of the fortress, 
At ten to-night, firm in the faith you've pledg'd ; 
Then shall you know the rest, and see your son 
Restored to liberty, Now we shall need 
No English aids, {going) 

Kath. 'Tis heaven that interposes, 
To save my son, its holy minister ! 

Omr. ireiur7iing) How many are the centinels 
that guard 
The outer gates ? 

Kath. But two 

Omr. Ply them with drink : 
And drug their goblets with such sleepy herbs 
As best may lull the senses. Note my words, 
And fare thee well. [exit 

Kath. Do but preserve my son, 
And to the last you shall command his mother ! 

Icxit 

SCEKE II — a grassy sfiace ; suJi-set over the sea. 
enter CLAV Din A, marian, and French soldiers. 

Clau. How distant are we, soldiers, from your fort ? 

Sold. Scarce a short mile. 

Clau. It is a lovely sun-set ; 
The evening breeze from land blows healthfully 
Over my fever'd cheek ; and as it cools 
The scented turf, a thousand odours breathe 
Freshly upon the sense. 

Sold. Aye, gentle lady. 
You'd little guess, to see these mossy tufts 



20 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

That spring so green, how few short summers past, 
The ground we tread upon lay crirason'd deep 
With human gore ! 

Clau. My soul grows chill within me ! 
What place is this? 

Sold, The field where, two years since, 
My lord Montalbert overthrew the English. 

Clau. Here then Trefusis met his fate ? 

Sold. Even so : 
We sought his body, when the fight was over ; 
But dust, and smearing wounds baffling our search, 
We made one general grave for all the slain, 
Where yonder little hillock swells. 

{he points to the spot) 

Clau. Good friend, 
Go slowly forward ; I will follow straight. 

Mar. Madam, the path— 

Clau. Is easy — I shall find it : 
1 will but pause a moment — dearest Marian—— 
Nay, I entreat you, grant me this request. 

{Marian and soldiers retire') 

Clau. Now, now, Trefusis, dear lost lord of all 
My bosom's tenderness ! uncheck*d, unwitness'd, 
I may pour forth the gushing tears that choak me, 
And breathe unto thy memory my sighs 
Of grief, and love eternal. 

TREFUSIS enterSyOnd looks around; but does not 
at Jir St perceive claudi^na. 

Tre. 1 have foil'd 
These hot-pursuing French ; but my poor Carbal 
Remains their prisoner. This should be my path, 
Tow'rd Maloch*s tents : — Too well do I remember 
The fatal ground I tread ! 

Clau. {whose face is averted from the side bij 
'which Trefusis has entered) 
Oh pardon me, 

Montalbert, if I wrong my wedded faith 
So far, to take this last, last, cold farewell 



Act II] CAHIB CHIEF. 21 

Of my Trefusis, my afBanced husband ! 

But this one sad indulgence ! but this once 

For all my griefs ! Upon my bended knees 

Thus let me cleave unto the hallowed earth 

That doth enshrine him, call on his loved spirit, 

And weep my soul-away ! 

(Claudina throws herself exhausted on the suji. 

posed grave o/' trefusis, wAo, during the latter 

part 0/ the preceding sfieech<i has perceived^ and 

anxiously listened to her) 

Tre. It is, it is 

My own adored Claudina ! — Rise, sweet mourner. 
Lean on this faithful breast, and rest thee here. 

Clau. {wildly) What voice is this, that mocks my 
my ear, as if 
The stem and silent grave that hides him from me, 
Should yield him back to life and speech again ! 

" Tre. Was I so lov'd then, only so to lose her ! 
*' Accursed treachery ! 

*' Clau. I am wandering I 
<' *Tis but the echo from my own sad heart, 
" That, wilder'd with a strange and sorrowful dream 
" Over his grave, thus cheats my weary sense, 
" Waking fantastic sounds !" 

Tre. Look up and bless me, 
" My love, my wife !" 

Clau. Oh, speak that word again—— 
Call me again your wife ! let me be sure 
Jt is no phantom breathes this music to me, 
But my true lord, that lives, and moves, and speaks, 
And claims me for his own ! 

Tre. It is, indeed ! 
Gaze on me, dearest, still, and let me drink 
The light of those sweet looks ! — why dost thou start 
So wildly from me ? Once again I tell thee, 
' Tis no unreal vision. 

Clau. Would it were ! 
Oh would my aching sight could think it still 
Unreal ! — loose me ! — nay, I do beseech. 
Command you, loose me i 



22 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

Tre. How have I offended, 
That I am grown thus hateful to Claudina ? 

CLau. Oh no ! you are all goodness still — *tis 1, 
Who in an evil moment 

Tre, I would spare you 
The painful tale, Claudina : — yes, I know, 
You are married to Montalbert ! 

Clau. Can it be. 
You are informed how deeply I have wrong'd you, 
And yet speak to me in such gentle accents I 

Tre. Too well I know the treacherous arts that 
gain*d you, 
The forged report of my untimely death. 
By which we are made wretched ! 

CLau, Forged report ! 
Oh — forged by whom ? 

Tre, By thy false husband, lady ! 

Clau. Montalbert! 

Tre. Aye, by him ! 

Clau. Then heaven forgive him. 
The darkest, deepest, cruellest deceit 
That ever braved perdition.— But twelve days I 
Oh had we met twelve little days before. 
We had been happy ! Thankless that I am, 
Is it not happiness enough for me 
To know you live ? 

Tre. I do but live in vain, 
Since not for you ! 

Clau. Strange thoughts flock fast upon me. 
Why art thou here \ where hast thou tarried from 

me 
So long ? How cam*st thou hither ? Oh, make haste 
To leave these fatal precincts : should my lord 
Approach, we're both undone! 

Tre. 'Tis well admonish'd ! 
This sad encounter had almost effaced 
The memory of what I came to do. 

*♦ Clau. Your looks are terrible! whatis't you pur- 
pose .* 
*' For generous pity— 



Act II] CARIB CHIEF. 23 

'* Tre. Turn those eyes away, 
" I^est their soft influence quite relax the strength 
" Of my wrought nerves, and ntielt me to a coward." 

Clau. What would you do ? 

Tre. Preserve a life that's dearer 
Than the rich centre of this new- found world, 
Whose dust is gold. 

Clau. My life! I understand. 
YouVe sent by England to put sue the blow 
That drove our vanquish 'd force from Guadaloupe. 
Oh ! after this long parting, are you come 
At last as the invader -of the land 
That gives me shelter ? — Silent f* — then my fears 
Speak but loo true. You have surprised the fort I 

Tre. {^taking htr hand) 'Twere treason should I 
tell you more — Fly, fly, 
And let me save you I 

Clau. Never ! I can feel 
The wrong Montalbert has inflicted on me ; 
But I am still his wife, and in the hour 
Of grief and peril, I will not desert him. 

Tre. Generous Claudina ! will no prayers engage 
you 
To ward the dangers that beset yourself? 

Clau. I care not for my life ; but while it lasts, 
It shall be faithful to the sacred duties 
For which heaven gave it. 

Tre. There is yet away ! 
Beneath the northern turret of your fort 
A hidden chamber lies, known but to few 
Ev'd of your garrison : learn from Montalbert 
The passage thither, and, when danger threatens, 
Fly to that shelter. But, I pray you, breathe 
No hint of this my warning — Should you put 
The French upon their guard, my life and fame 
Would pay the forfeit of my fond disclosure. 

Clau. My heart may break — but never shall be- 
tray you 1 [exeunt 



24 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 



SCENE III — Maloch's tent — wild music . 

enter maloch and logamah conversing, fireceded 
by Caribs. 

Log. At break of day he dies. 

Mai. Unhappy Carbal ! 
I ever fear'd a danger from his zeal 
To join these English with us : he has haunted 
The tents of Europeans, 'till his heart 
Forgets to hate them. Not that I would have 
This shew of friendship with the English thrown 
Aside as yet. Trefusis, CarbaPs friend, 
May for a while be useful. 

I^og. He arrives. 

e^iter trefusis. 

MaL You're welcome, European, from the durance 
VVherein Montalbert has so long detained you. 
Tre. Hail to king Maloch .' 
Mai. Carbal's late detention 
Must be redress'd. Omreah will assist us 
To plan the needful measures of attack ; 
And, though we chance to find him harsh of speech. 
And ill inclined to European friendships, 
We must bear with him. 

Tre. i have heard his history, 
And will not quarrel witn the rage that heats 
His deeply injured spirit. {shouts behind) 

Hark ! what shouts 
Of gladness rend the air ? 
MaL Omreah comes ; 
And, snuffing at the sport, like hounds of proof, 
Our warriors yell their joy. 



Act II] CARIB CHIEF. 25 

enter omre ah, folloived by BRAKCHOf and Caribs. 

Omr. Brother, well met in such a cause — though 
late. 

Mai. Believe me, prince, 
If I have not with earlier haste adventured 
In the just quarrel we have now engaged to, 
No slavish fear repressed me, "nor the weakness 
Of tardy age ;" but long experience, teaching 
To wait occasion : that the blow, as now, 
Being struck upon a weaken'd enemy, 
Might do its work at once. — You have survey'd 
Their strength ; how stand they ^ 

Omr. You shall better learn 
From certain messengers of theirs, whose course 
I have with pains outrun ; upon my risk 
Make prisoners of them all : the moment presses, 
For, lo, they come ; Til answer't when 'tis done. 

enter d'arcy, and French soldiers. 

D^Arcy. How now ? — what means this throng of 

armed men } 
Mai. Hast thou not heard Orareah's force is up »* 
*Twas fit we we arm*d to meet him. 

D'Arcy. Why, well spoken : 
And therefore I have sought you, to request. 
As you would keep our customed amity. 
That, with such force as you can raise o' the instan% 
You join our garrison ere break of day. 
Mai. We shall be duly there. 
D^Arcy. This welcome answer 
Shall straightway be returned. {going) 

Omr. Less hurry, sir ; 
Evening begins to close : the dews are damp, 
And, Icbt they chance to chill you, 'twill be fit 
Y^ou rest you here to-night. You are our prisoners. 
{meanwhile Omreah's attendants have been sur- 
rounding D*Arcy and the French soldiers with a 
guard of Caribs ; and., as Omreah concludes ^ the 
French fiarty are ?nade prisoners] 



26 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

Omr. At last the work begins : — to it, and prosper ! 

D^Arcy. What snare is this ? 

Omr. One that may lime, ere long, 
A bird of stronger wing. Lead them apart ; 
And strip from each his armour and his habit. 

\^exeunt Caribs, and French soldiers firisonera 
I, and some certain of my warriors, must 
Assume the arms and covering of these French : 
And, cloak'd in that disguise, speed through the dusk 
Unto their fort. The watchword is, Defend, 
Which, being whispered to the drowsy sentinel, 
We gain the fort within — 

Mai. What is't you purpose ? 

Omr. There waits a guide, whose woman's heart 
a sting 
Keeps vigilant — the mother of your Carbal : 
She will conduct our steps, where we may crouch 
Till sleep has made all quiet : then spring forth, 
Strike down the guard, and, throwing wide the gates. 
Let in your stormy multitude. The cloak 
And sword !— Come, bring them in ! 
{re-enter Caribsy with the cloaks and arms of the 
French soldiers) 

Tre. It is a masque. 
Bespeaking bloody revel ! 

MaL Your device 
Is hasty, prince. 

Omr. I meant it should be so, 
That we may not require your English friends 
From Guadaloupe. Would ye be fools, and fight, 
Faint, bleed, in working off one master's yoke. 
To let another grind you ? 

Tre. Calmly, warrior ; 
Temper the splenetic courage, that sits on yc u 
So proud and wanton, and take heed in time 
What precipice it spurs to. 

Omr. {turning suddenly round) What art thou ? 
A white man ! — Why, I know thee then ; and. 

knowing, 
I hate and spurn thee. 

Tre. I am slow to anger, 



massssmmsmmK 



Act 11] CARIB CHIEF. 27 

Were this a time for discord ; but the hour 
Calls for close fellowship : and he amongst us 
That stirs a finger out of concert now, 
Loses his cause and country ! 

Mai. He says well ; 
And has a voice in this our enterprize, 
As potent as our own. 

Omr. Is't so? A white man 
Associate in command ? Why then, farewell! 
Call off my forces! — call them off! — I'll make 
No league with such confederates. Let their fort 
Remain : I can defy their puny children 
In my wild glens, old nature's fortresses, 
Where they would quake to climb. 

Mai. Be patient, chief ! 
By his assistance— 

Omr. Why was I deceived ? 
You kntw, had such a partner been proposed, 
I should have scorn'd your league ! 

Tre. Our common object 
Is to destroy our common enemy, 
And set our Carbal free. Your stratagem 
Bids fair, and you shall find no jealousy 
Thwart its accomplishment. 

Mai. How says Omreah ? 

Omr. Is it a natural hate that sets these white men 
At one another's throats I — Out ! out ! decoys, 
To sell us to our foe. 

Mai. You are too sudden : 
What's to be done ? 

Omr. Do as you list, I care not. 

Mai. (aside to Tre.) Your presence ruffles him ! if 
you will leave us. 
He may be led more aptly, {aloud) Be your task, 
To post our warriors for the assault, without 
The fort, and watch the unclosing of the gates. 

Tre. Let me have cautious comrades — 

Omr. Give him safe ones, 
Who if the cloak of 's honesty should slip 
A rent, will make so bold to gather it 
Up with a dagger's point. 



28 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

Mai. Here is your guide. 

{presenting one of the Cariba) 
• Tre. I will make haste to seek some covert ground, 
Where, in safe readiness, my vahant band 
May wait Omreah's signal for the assault. 
If I come safely off, we shall again. 
Ere midnight, change a greeting by the blaze 
O* the enemy's fort : if I am doom'd to fall. 
There is no quarry death can strike more apt. 
When all the sweetness I had wish*d to live for 
Blesses another's lip. [exit with Caribs 

Mai. Just spirits aid you ! 

Omr. Let him go ! venture ! perish \ Where's the 
matter. 
If, for the myriads of our brethren murder'd 
To glut the European throats with gore. 
One white man die to profit us? — One die ! — 
Why should one live ! — To spawn in our warm sun, 
To taint the free air of our isle, and hiss 
His green infections on us, whose rank crest 
We have the strength to crush ? 

Mai. Is my fair show 
Put on so well, that it deceives Omreah ? 
Like you, I loathe them all : like you, I groan 
For sweet revenge ; but mean to take it wisely : 
For age, and the example of our tyrants, 
Have taught me, to give hate its way no further 
Than interest travels with it. 

Omr^ Cry you mercy ! 
I'm of a downright temper, and unvers'd 
In politic turns. 

Mai. It were not safe, thus early 
To drop the guise of friendship : should we fail 
In this attempt to-night, our only refuge 
Would be the English aids from Guadaloupe. 
Therefore be wary yet : lull this Trefusis 
With cordial seeming : second him i' the fight. 
As you shall find his skill and hardihood 
Worthily bear you out ; and let revenge. 
Which is the wise man's servant, not his master, 
Wait for its turn, and check its thirsty lip, 



Act II] CARIB CHIEF. 29 

Till safety pledge the draught. 

Omr. I will not do it : >:^V^t 

You, if you will, may wear a double face ; 
For you've so long been leagued with these deceivers, 
Taking their stamp, speech, customs, arts, and 

seemings, 
(As might indeed behove their subject king,) 
That you can play the traitor, as if born to't : 
But I, whose only converse with their tribe 
Has been disgrace and torture — I, with whom 
They never used more kind interpreter 
Than ruthless force, the fetter, and the scourge — 
I will not palter with my honest hate, 
By stooping, even in show, to treat with bandits, 
Whom my mind scorns, as my free heart abhors them. 

Mai. Nay, use your pleasure. 

Omr. I have none but vengeance. 

(turns up the stage) 
enter a Carib messenger^ nvho speaks aside to Alaloch, 

Mai. Be patient, and that vengeance is your own : 
For here is one with tidings, that Montalbert, 
The cause of all your wrongs, is with his bride 
Come to the headland, and this very night 
Sleeps in the fort. — Now, will Omreah quit 
The league we've made ? 

Omr. {turning rounds and rushing forward) 
Come with his bride ? — what here. 
In Dominica ? — This was what I pray'd for ! — 
In person ! — But shall I be sure of him .•* 
Shall I be sure, that, when I have him down. 
No white allies shall interpose betwixt 
Me and oiy prize, — to enforce for one another 
That civilized, that christian law of mercy, 
Our dusky children never yet partook ? 

Mai. You shall be satisfied. 

Omr. By heaven I will ! 
Where is the daughter of my youthful strength. 
My little smiling daughter ? Did th.ey spare 
Her harmless infancy ? Where is my wife ? 
Was she spared to me, when Montalbert's ruffians 
c 2 



30 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

Swept like a hurricane o*er these summer isles, 
And blasted all my race ? — His wife is come ! 
Let him look to her !— a new married wife, 
Noc cold yet in his love ! Let him look to her ; 
For the fierce sun, that lights to-morrow's sky, 
Shall show her for the last time to his eyes, 
A lifeless body ! Up, ye hardy spirits 
That own me for your leader ! — whet your fangs, 
And follow while I cheer you to a prey 
Shall flesh them deep— Break up, I say, and follow ! 

[exeunt 



ACT III. 

SCENE I— a quadrangle ivithin the fort^ surrounded 
by cloisters. 

e«?er KATHELRADE, ushertng in OMREAU, loga- 
M AH, and several Caribs in the disguise of French 
soldiers. 

Omr. We're safe ; the watch suspects us not. 

Kath. Omreah, 
I half repent me. 'Tis a bloody purpose, 
And if you ope the gates—— 

Omr. Amid the tumult 
Your son escapes : if not, he perishes ; 
Thai's all. — No more : we trifle. Is it time •* 

Kath. Not yet : the twinkling lights that still ap- 
pear 
Across the court-yard from the upper casements, 
Show there remain some watchers. I must bring you 
To the accustom'd quarters of those soldiers 
Whom you thus personate. 

Omr. They're safely stow'd : 
They'll not reclaim their lodging. 

Xath. Get you in. [exeunt Logamah and Caribs 
{the firing of guns is heard) 

Omr. What's this? Am 1 betray'd? 

(grasping her wrist) 

Kath. Release me. 



Aet III] CARIB CHIEF. SI 

Omr. Whither would you depart ? 

Kath. To seek Montalbert. Listen— 
Those guns announce his coming. 

Omr. He is welcome.—— 
At last my foe is given into my hand ! 

MONTALBERT crosses the cloistcrs ivith colmar. 

Aye ! there he passes ! sixteen years have wrought 
But little change in him. 1 feel his presence 
Upon my breast, as if a reptile crawl'd 
Athwart the shrinking flesh. 

Kath. {endeavouring to pass Omreah) He tnay 
relent — 
He may repair my wrongs. 

Omr. Is this the hate, 
Vow'd everlasting I — this the unquenchable 
And deadly flame of injured woman's rage ? 
Can he repair my wrongs ? Can he repair 
The wrongs of our dear country ? Nay, *tis vain 
To struggle thus. 

Kath. Let me but see him once, 
And try his mercy. — Set me free^ I say ! 
Or with my cries Til wake the garrison, 
And yield you prisoner. 

Omr. If one sound escape thee, 
*Tis thine own death-note— aye, and Carbars too ' 

{drawing his dagger) 

Kath. Thy looks and words have more than human 
horror ! 

Omr. Logamah ! lead that wayward woman hence, 
And keep her with you, safe, and silent too, 
Until the signal of this horn awake 
The echoes of the fort. 

LOGAMAH re-entersy and takes Kathelrade by the 
hand. 

Kath. Remorse and terror 
Possess me wholly. — Was there no redemption 
For the son's life, but in the mother's treason ? 
Oh, Carbal ! I have sear'd my heart to save thee ! 

[exit with Logamah 



1|p»P'««P«P*^i*^««ill«««MM«HM^ 



32 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

Omr, Why then I'll not delay : 
Her soul- sick fantasies 
May rise again, and strangle our attempt. 
The lights have disappear'd : the fort is quiet ; 
Let me but view these courts, and their defence. 
Then wake the blast of death ! [exit 

SCENE II — Montalbert's apartment in the forU 

enter montalbert tuith a mafi, colmar attend' 
ing. 

Mont. Here, take the map. 
And in the morning let our men begin 
The reparations I have noted there. {exit Colmar 
The Caribs gather strength : the English threaten : 
And these redoubts, half weatherworn, afford 
A frail defence. Such are the auspices 
Of my long-courted wedlock, which to compass, 
I have reached so far in guilt. From his deep cell 
The curses of Trefusis seem to rise, 
And vindicate the bride, whom but her faith 
In my suggestion of his death has drawn 
Unwilling to my arms. — My gentle wife ! 

tn^er CLAUDINA. 

Clau. Your wife in name, yet not indeed your wife. 

Mont. You wander, love : fatigue has overcome you. 

Clau. Not so, my lord : a witness is alive. 
Who but too quickly may confirm the truth 
Of what I speak : — Trefusis may confirm it \ 

Mont, What sayst thou } 

Clau. Start not : they that have been buried 
Are not the dead alone. — You are confused — 
Confused, my loi'd, and shun your wife's observancej- 
Fatal deceit, that plucks from wedded love 
Its fairest grace and flow'r, sweet confidence, 
Abashing the clear front of blushing honour, 
To vouch a falsehood ! I repeat, Trefusis 
Alive, and bent on vengeance ! 

Mdnt* Who has seen him ? 



Act HI] CARIB CHIEF. 33 

Clau. I have, and talked with him, and learnt from 
him 
All you would hide. 

Mont. Then Carbal has betrayed me ! 

Clau. Dost thou complain of that ? thou, that art. 
worst 
Of all betrayers i with what new device 
Wilt thou acquit thee of thy treachery 
To me, and to my own betrothed lord ? 

Mont. Hast thou then no forgiveness for a fault, 
Which love of thee has prompted ? 

Clau. Love of me ! 
Love without truth ! Oh, do not so profane 
The sacred name. Love knows no dark deceit, 
No frozen, false reserve — In love's communion, 
Heart beats to heart, and soul to soul transfused, 
As meeting rivulets, in whose poor confluence 
Each lucid drop commingles ! 

Mont. If my life, 
Through all its future years devoted only 
To confidence and thee, might yet repair 
One only crime, and win thy heart again — 

Clau. Banish the hope ! my hand thou dost possess, 
For thou hast gained it from me by a fraud : 
But not thy sum of years can ever win thee 
That heart which thou hast stabb'd ; nor stifle here - 
The haplees, hopeless love, which thou thyself 
Didst pledge to my true lord ! 

Mont. There's no reproach 
For the deceit by which I have undone thee, 
But finds an answering pang within my breast 
Of deep sincere repentance. 

Clau. What avails it ? 
If with thy floods of tears thou couldst wash out 
All trace of memory, or dissolve the bonds, 
The unhallow'd bonds, that knit our fates together, 
There were a virtue in thy penitence — 
Nay, could'st thou turn aside the punishment. 
Which Heav'n but now sends down on thee and thine. 
Through him whom thou hast wrongM 

Mont. Vain threats, Claudina. 



34 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

Clau. Nay, I speak true — Yet what I speak, I 

know not. 
Mont. Explain. 
Clau, I may not, cannot tell thee more— — 

{Omreah's horn is heard ivithout) 
There — there it comes ! 

Mont, Trust me, some weak imposture. 

{the horn is again heard) 
Again : what shouts are these ? 

{the Curib*s yell is heard without) 
Clau. Oh, fly with me 
To the sunk chamber, which, Pm told, extends 
Beneath the northern turret — 

Mont. Your Trefusis 
Counsell'd you this ! what, he would brand my fame 
With flight ! No ! it shall shelter thee ; but I, 
Whate'er the shock, will brave it. 

Clau. Quickly, then, 
Or all is lost ! [exit Claudina 

{Montalbert turns^ on hearing the voice of Colmar 
behind him) 
Colm. (without) General, defend your life, 
Mont. I am prepared. 

COLMAR enters. 

Now, which way lies the danger ? 

Colm. The fort's in flames : a sudden enemy 
Has forced the gates. 

Mont. Who are the foes ? The English 
From Guadaloupe ? 

Colm. The Caribs : and Omreah 
Their leader ! — in they pour, by the red light, 
In many a dusky swarm, blackening the fort ! 

Mont. Conduct my wife to the recess, beneath 
The northern tow*r— Pll give the rallying word, 
France, and the king ! [exeunt 



Act III] CARIB CHIEF. 35 

SCENE Ill—before the fort. The fort on fire. Battle, 

enter kathelrade, carbal, anrf logamah. 

Kath. Didst thou in sooth then plot 
The treason, from whose penalty thy mother 
Has dared so much to save thee ? 

Car. Yes ; if truly 
It be a treason to assist my country 
Against a foreign tyrant. You, my mother, 
Are guilty of like treason, in preserving 
Your death -devoted son. 

Kath. *Tis but too true : 
For your deliverance I have sacrificed 
One hardly less beloved — my foster-son, 
My lord and master. 

{skirmish . Drums and trumpets) 
Car. Lo ! the battle thickens : 
Bear we our mother to some safer spot. 

Log. She is stcure. Montalbert has commended 
His foster parent to the especial care 
Of all his followers — marry, little guessing, 
How much he owes her. 

Kath. Were his thoughts so kind 
To his betrayer ? Shall I fly to him, 
Confess my treachery, and implore his pardon ? 
No ; he will not believe the breast that nurs'd him 
Could have been steel'd to such a hard extreme ! 
Car. Live for your country, and your sons, and 
banish 
The thought of him who was the foe of all. 

Kath. Yet I will seek, and speak to him, and tell him 
All I have done and suffered — oh, for power 
To rescue him, as 1 have rescued you ! 

{as she is going, Carbal attempts to withhold her^ 
Your leave — The war that shakes yon battlements 
Is peace to that within my burning heart—— 
I will not be detained. [fx?V 

Car. Ever extreme 
In love, as hate ! This is an extacy. 
May need our watching. ^exeunt 



IWHi^RHWW^"*^"?^ 



36 CARIB CHIEF. [Twi&b 

{the Jiames ascend. Part of the fort is heard to fall 
in, Shimts, inartial musiCy and the clashing' of 
iveafions) 

enter MALOCii^from among the fortifications, 

Mai. The assault has stirred me. 
This arm, unshrunk, albeit for many a year 
Disused from blood, rejoices in its strength, 
And longs for fresh encounter. Now, Trefusis, 
How fare their boasted bulwarks ? 

CM/er TREFUSIS. 

Tre. All's in flame. 
Our wild troops, dashing through the smoke, hunt 

down 
Th* astonish'd French ; and mingling with the roar 
Of crackling fire, Omreah's merciless yell 
Comes thundering hoarse, as drunkenly he plies 
His sword in their best blood. 

MaU Where fights Montalbert ? 

Tre. At yonder portal, with some thirty followers ; 
The rest, with desp'rate energy, defend 
The northern tow'r, the only point that's proof 
Against the spreading fire. To gain that tower 
I've cut my way thus far. \txit 

Mai. No doubt the bride, 
For whom Montalbert shut him from the world, 
Is placed within its walls. Why, be it so. 
It is by private springs the public engine 
Works to advantage. All but that one pile, 
Thanks to Omreah's stratagem, we've gain'd, 
Without the English guns. 

e7iter montalbert- 

Afon^ It is in vain 
To rally my dishearten'd fugitives : 
1 can but seek the tower that yet holds out, 
And perish in its ruins. 

MaU Turn, Montalbert, 



Act III] CARIB CHIEF. 37 

And perish here ! 

Mont. Thou subtle traitor, hence ! 
Thou, on whose aid our confidence relied, 
Ev'n as upon a brother's ; — dost thou face me ? 

MaL Fool ! that couldst hope assistance in thy 
need, 
From forced allies, and take our fear for friendship, 
If thou hast yet so much of hope in thee, 
To think thy life worth struggling for, defend it. 

AIo7it. Nay then, commend thee to the gods thou 
serv'st, 
For thy last hour draws near. 

{they fight— Maloch falls) 

MaL Why did I arm 
In this too sudden quarrel ? Thou prevail'st, 
Usurper ! but there comes a comfort yet; — 

e^zr^r OMREAH. 

For this my brother will not let my bones 

Bleach to the scorching sunbeam, unrefresh'd 

With my destroyer's blood. {dies) 

Omr. I need no spur 
To vindicate thy death ! For my own wrongs, 
Wrongs all too countless for my tongue to speak. 
Boil in my blood, and thus I spring upon him ! 

Mont. Hold off thy hand ! sure I should know 
thine aspect ! 

Omr, Thou should'st, indeed ; for not a feature 
here, 
But in its pule and careworn lineaments 
Bears damning trace of thee ! 

Mont. Hear me, Omreah \ 
1 fain would spare 

Omr. No parley ! — there was none 
When thou didst swoop upon my peaceful realm, 
With faulchion, and with dame ! I'll have no respite ! 
f^.hey fight — Montalbert strikes the sword cut of 
Omreah' s hand) 

Mont. Now, savage, wilt thou sue for terms ? 
D 



38 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

Omr. (leafiing ufion Montalbert, snatching his 
sword, and bringing him ufion one knee) 
Nor grant them — 
For I have made thee sure ! 

(he stands over Montalbert) 

enter carbal, logamah, brancho, and Caribs. 

Applaud me, warriors ! 
For, lo, my arm has overcome Montalbert — 
The bead, the spring of all our country's woes, 
The dread Montalbert ! Priests, draw near, and 

curse 
The slayer of your king ! 
Carb, The king !— alas ! 

{fierceiving the body of Maloch) 
Raise and give due observance to the body. 

Omr. Aye, we will solemnize its obsequies 
With fitting honours. Here's my oflFering, 
The blood, that on the altar of the dead 
Shall make the wholesom'st savour. 

{the body of Maloch is lifted J 
Mont. If yon sword 
Were in my grasp again, that I might have 
Some partner in my death 

Omr. Why, so thou shalt ; 
Think'st thou I mean, so early in thy wedlock, 
To part the bridegroom from the bride ? 

Mont, My bride ! 
Shall not her innocent life be sacred to you ! 

Omr. 1 have sent to seek her for thee. It is evei 
Our custom European, when we seize 
A prisoner in our wars, to give his manhood 
The fair occasion to approve itself, 
In varied sufferance of our cunning'st tortures : 
And (for I would not have it thought the prisoner 
On whom J build my glory is but nerv*d 
Like common men,) 1 will illustrate thee 
With more tlian common penance : I will try 
How well thy fortitude will bear the groans 



Act III] CARIB CHIEF. 39 

Of her thou doat'st upon, as she receives 
Her fate before thine eyes. 

Mont. From what fell demon 
LearnMst thou this damned subtlety ©f torture ? 

Omr. It is in thee I hail my great instructor ! 
From thee I had it all ! — and if it give 
Thy breast but half that deep devouring anguish, 
Which, to my shame, too much has shaken me, 
The restless spirits of my wife and babe 
Will have been well revenged. Lead him away, 
And keep strict watch upon him. 

Log. To the tow-V, 
Where we have chain'd the rest o* the prisoners ? 

Omr. To whatsoever den affords most safety. 
Look you to that ; for if he breaks his bonds, 
Your lives shall answer it. 

[exit Montalbert^ guarded 

Omr. Now for the tow*r, 
Where, as it seems, this bride, through whom my 

vengeance 
Must be fulfilled upon him, has been placed 
For safety. On them, my brave people ! on them ! 
Make no more prisoners, but let ravage loose, 
For the avenging gods have given this night 
To your long craving, that without remorse 
You may strike home, strike deep, make sure, and 
spare not ! [exeu7n 

SCENE IV — the vault under the northern tower-^ 
CLAUDiNA alone. 

Clau. Oh, what an hour has pass'd ! Each crash, 
each cry 
Shoots to my heart ! In all events I'm wretched. 
Montalbert's victory is Trefusis' death — 
And if Trefusis conquer, where's the hope 
Of mercy tor my husband — my betrayer. 
Yet still my benefactor ! — Soft, the noise 
Ceases ! This silence is more dreadful yet : 
It is the calm of death • 



40 CARIB CHIEF. [T\ 



enter trefusis. 

Tre. Justice has triumph'd : 
And you, beloved Claudina . ■ 

Ciau. Is Montalbert 
Alive ? 

Tre. As yet he is. 

Ciau. Then he is safe! 
You will not harm an unresisting captive ? 

Tre. And yet I would not stand that captive's 
hazard 
For his whole nation's wealth. 

Ciau. Hear me, Trefusis— 

(Trefusis turns away) 
He is my husband ; — hear me but a moment — 
I know it — you*ve been wrong*d — but he's my hus- 
band— 

Tre. And therefore is a traitor — is he not } 
In the near'st point, a false, abandon'd traitor, 
Whose punishment will set you free. 

Ciau. Gh, horror \ 
Trefusis — if, as my fond heart once dream'd, 
You've loved me truly, by that influence 
I pray — nay, on my knees I thus adjure you, 
Ev'n though for him you have no pity, yet 
Have mercy upon me, his wretched wife ! — 
Will set me free ! what, make a wife the cause 
And accessary in her husband's murder I 
No, no, you will not whelm that guilt upon me. 
That deep condemn'd remorse ! 

Tre. I have no tongue 
To vent the struggles of my passionate heart, 
And give it ease. Claudina ! though those tears 
Are pour'd for one who has most injured me ; — 
Nay, though his death would make thee mine once 

more — 
I will not harm thy husband ! 

Ciau. Blessings on thee ! 

Tre. The only hope is in escape. 



Act 111] CARIB CHIEF. 4i 

Clau. Oh, yes ! 
I will console his flight, will follow him 
In banishment and sorrow, to repay 
The debt I owe him, and repair the harshness 
Of my too sharp reproaches. 

Tre. I will strive 
To aid the virtue which I fain would copy. 
Through every corner of the tow'r that stands 
Above these vaults, Omreah at this instant 
Is seeking you : but these retreats will mock 
His search. When he departs, the Indian priest^ 
Carbal, in whom I trust, shall guide your path 
To that same cave on the sea-side, where late 
I was imprisoned. 

Clau. But, Montalbert — what 
Shall be devised for him ? 

Tre. Be that my care ; 
I can, on my authority as leader 
Of Maloch's warriors, change his guard, and speed him 
To the north headland, where with you this morning 
He came on shore. Thence, by the coast, he soon 
May row the boat that brought you, to the cave, 
Where you will wait h'u coming ; and from which 
To Martinico, southerly, will be 
A short's day's voyage. 

Clau. Faithful, much-loved friend ! 
Nobly hast thou redeemed thy promise to me ! 
We part, 'tis like, for ever. The wide wastes 
Of ocean will divide us : and, I pray thee, 
As we shall never, never meet again, 
Strive thou, like me, to banish llic remembrance 
Of what has been ; of thoughts, vvKose images, 
Too dearly loved, must be indulged no more. 
We must be firm ! we must forget each other I 

Tre Forget ! that word has more of anguish in it, 
Than all we have endured! Forget, Claudina ! 

Clau. Yes, it must be. Fortune may ravish from us 
All joys external ; but it leaves us still 
The godlike power to suffer, and to'do. 
As heav'n commands ;— as thou hast done, Trefusis, 
D 2 



4- CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

ACT IV. 

SCENE I — Montalbert's apartment in the fort. 

MOVT ALBERT fettered, walking backward and for- 
ward. 

enter trefusis. 

Mont, {not perceiving him) Death were to me a 
boon ; but for Claudina — 
'Tis there I feel the pressure of my fate. 
Trefusis ! 

Tre. Somewhat worn, perhaps, by years 
Of drear captivity to great Montalbert ; 
Yet still that same Trefusis, whom, in days 
Of happier note, while yet our hostile countries 
Preserved the bond of peace, Montalbert loved 
With friendship not unrecompensed. 

Mont. Thou dost 
But plant aiiother dagger in a heart 
Already pierced to death. 

Tre. Aye, that I'refusis, 
Whom, not content to strip him of his freedom, 
Thou hast despoil'd of more than life itself — 
Of his betrothed wife ! 

Mo7it. Go on : go on — 
I have deserved it all i 

Tre. That same Trefusis, 
Who, now that fortune leaves thy falling cause, 
And thou thyself becom*st in turn a prisoner, 
Has sought thee thus to reap a full revenge ! 

Mont. Thou canst not take my life so willingly 
As I shall lose it. I have wrong'd — immured thee 
Two tedious years. Then strike. I will not shrink . 
1 have betrayed thy friendship — Still in doubt ? 
Nay, I have robb'd thee of thy love, Trefusis — 
( Trefusis half unsheatha his sword, but after a mO" 

meniary struggle with himself returns iC to its 

scabbard) 



Act IV] CARIB CHIEF. 43 

Now, now, strike home, and search my heart ! 

Tre. I will, 
Intrepid foe, but not with such a weapon 
. As thou prepar'st for. *Tis revenge enough 
'For me, to let thee know thy life and freedom 
'Are in my hand — that I restore them to thee— 
That thy loved wife is saved to bless thy lot — 
And that 'tis I have saved her ! 

Mont. Saved her, say you ? 
Is the command with you, and will you use it 
For my Claudina ? Now you are indeed 
Revenged ! Twas fit I should be humbled thus, 
Thus teel the virtue of the man I've wrong'd 
Ascendant over me, and owe him more 
Than life itself. 

Tre. Rather owe all to her, 
For whose dear sake this blow is warded from you 
But your departure hence must be immediate, 
Before Omreah guess it. Haste you straight 
To the north headland, where you left your bark, 
And steer it down the coast to the same cave 
Where I was prisoner. In that lone retreat, 
Claudina is awaiting your arrival 
To sail for Martinique. I have, removed 
Your guards ; and in the darkness of the night 
You'll gain the path securely. 

Mont. I would thank you, 
But want the voice. Yet, one thing more I need— 
A trusty guide athwart these tangled glens 
To the north headland. 

enter kathelrade. 

Kath. Is it here they guard 
My foster son, my wrong'd Montalbert ^ » 

Mont. Com'st thou 
To triumph in my fall ? Oh, Kathelrade, 
I knew the lot of war was made of strange 
And fearful chances ; but I deem'd that woman 
Was faithful still. 



44 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

Kath, I am— I am — ! — Could / 
Have died ten thousand deaths, I'd not have spared 

them 
In thy behalf— but my sort's life depending 
On my one word — how could a mother's voice 
Withhold it ? Think of this, and you may yet 
Forgive poor Kathelrade. 

Mont. You time this aptly. 
Inexorable justice would but ill 
Become Montalbert now. 

Tre. It is a wild 
And wayward disposition. But she knows 
Each mazy path o' the island, and you need 
A guide upon the sudden. May you trust her ? 

Kath. Oh j^es ! tell me but how to save or serve 
you. 
And with my life I will redeem my crime. 

Mont. I must accept her guidance, or abandon 
All chance of flight, all hope of my Claudina. 

Tre. Be circumspect ; an English force will land 
About this hour ; and though with them your life 
Would be secure, your liberty were hopeless. 
No thanks, but on. 

Mont. Farewell, my generous foe ! 

[exeunt Montalbert and Kath. 

Tre. This was indeed to my distracted heart 
The sole revenge ; for what extremity 
Of harsh amends could have compensated 
Such wrongs as mine, or brought to my relief 
Forgetfulness, or hope ^ [exit 

SCENE II — the qnadrangle in the fort. 

enter omreah and carbal. 

Omr. 'Twas in this tower 
Montalbert, as they say, concealed the women : 
And I have sent for you, that, as we know not 
The person of his wife, you may point out, 
Among the female prisoners here assembled, 
Which is Claudina. Let the captives enter. 
{the female prisoner & and mar i an are brought in) 



Act IV] CARIB CHIEF. 45 

Unveil ! — Now, priest 

Car. Claudina is not here. 

Omr. Not here ! You play upon me ! Look once 
more ! 
Not here ? 

Car. I say, not here. 

Omr. It is in vain 
She strives to foil my search : if 1 beat up 
Each thicket of the isle, she shall not 'scape me. 
Send out our scouts to seek her ; and let these, 
And all the other captives who may come 
Within your reach, be. taken to the spot 
Where we have stored the spoils, the spot adjoining 
My tent, that I may have the earliest note 
Of her detention. What's their number ? — ten — 
'Tis well : let them be presently brought in. [exit 

Mar. Alas ! already, in this wild assault, 
Claudina may have perish'd. 

Car. Fear' not, Marian ; 
She's yet secure, within the secret chamber 
Beneath this tow'r : where, had the time permitted, 
You and these trembling women should have shar'd 
Her hidden refuge. To my care Trefusis 
Has trusted her, while he himself provides 
Monlalbert's safety. It is time to bring her 
From her retreat : but, by our evil fortune. 
The only passage to the cave wherein 
I am to place her, is by that same tent 
Whither Omreah has but now repair'd. [exit 

Mar. Her griefs and dangers almost chase the 
thought 
Of try own perils. 

re-enter carbal, ivith claudina. 

Clau, Do we once again 
Meet and embrace? 

Car. We must away. 

Mar. But if. 
To gain the cave you're bound to, you must pass 



46 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

Omreah's tent, by what device propose you 
To shun his lynx-eyed watch ? 

Car. By your assistance.— 
He has survey'd you all : has counted over 
Your band, and is assured Montalbert*s bride 
Is not among t|>ese ten. Let her then take 
Your station in the rank, and pass his tent 
As one of those he has already view'd ; 
While, that the numbers may be still alike, 
You shall remain behind. 

Mar, Most joyfully. 

Clan. Seek my own safety at my Marian's risk ? 
Oh, never ! 

Mar. I am not the more endanger 'd, — 
It is not my destruction they desire. 
Do not reject this little aid. 

Clau. My own 
Too faithful Marian ! 

Car. Marshal then your train, 
And let us forward. — In the midst — even thus. 

\exeunt 

SCENE III — Omreah's tent. A rocky amphitheatre. 

enter ombeah and Caribs. 

Omr. There, where the winding rocks have made 
an inlet, 
Place ye the spoils and prisoners, under guard. 
Now, bring you tidings of my enemy's bride } 

enter brancho. 

Bra. I am assured that she was seen to enter 
The tower Trefusis storm'd, the northern tower ; 
And, if not still conceal'd within its walls, 
By his permission must have been releasM. 

Omr. Then, though the mystery of her strange 
concealment 
Be buried in his heart, I'll dig it forth — 



Act IV] CARIB CHIEF. AT 

enter trefusis and Indians. 

Bra. These are the warriors who besieged the 
tow*r — 
The secret lies among them. 

Ornr. Which of you 
Has dared release my captive ? 

Tre. You may spare 
Your threatening gestures, prince : for it is I 
Have given Claudina liberty : which here 
I do again, before the assembled host, 
Proclaim and ratify. 

Omr. By Maloch's soul, 
I say, she dies, although a thousand white men, 
All arm'd like thee, stood threatening at thy back, 
To force her from me. 

Tie. I am resolute 
In what I have declared. Our arms have earn'd 
Much spoil in common : of which prize I claim 
No costly share for my reward, but only 
That captive, whom at all risks 1 will keep. 

Gmr. What ! Is*t for spoil that I have sold my 
blood > 
Blood for base ore, as you do! I have girt 
The sword upon my body for revenge, 
And here it must be taken ! For yourself. 
If your own life be dear, produce the captive ; 
For her^ as best becomes a duteous wife. 
She shall partake her husband's speedy death, 
In Maloch's funeral sacrifice. 

Tre. Thou'rt foil'd. 
Insatiate savage ! I have snatch'd the prey 
From those curs'd fangs, and marr'd thy feast of 

blood : 
And while thou rav'st, and lift'st thy clenched hands. 
And mutterest inward blasphemies against 
Thy impious gods, Montalbert, with his bride. 
Spreads his free sail to ocean's morning wind, 
And, safe beyond thy reach of malice, scorns 
Thy threats and thee — as I do ! 



48 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

Omr. They are safe- 
Safe are they, traitor ? — Let them ! thou art left •— 
Why stand you all like stocks, and fear to seize him r* 
Hear you not, how his sacrilegious hand 
Has freed the victim, destined to appease 
The spirit of your loved, your murder'd king ? 

(the Caribs seize and disarm Trefusis) 

Tre. (struggling) What, like a felon ! If thy sav- 
age nature. 
That riots in the blood of enemies, ^ 
Fear not the shedding of thine own, release me, 
And let our equal blows end manfully 
Our equal quarrel. 

Omr. What, release thee now, 
A self- convicted traitor to our cause ! 
Is*t thus that Europeans use to deal ? 

Tre. Yet pause ere you proceed ! the setting stars 
Fade from the waning night, and tell the approach 
Of those who shall repay this wrong upon you 
With fearful reckoning — the expected force 
Of powerful England. 

Omr. I wilj brave the hazard — 

enter carbal, luiih claudina, a7id the captives. 

So, priest ! you have engaged a hopeful comrade. 

Car. A pris'ner ! how is this ! or what's his crime .'' 

Omr. The rescue of Montalbert and his bride — 
A crime against us all : against the spirits 
Of your slain king, and of my murder'd mate 
And innocent babe, to whom I owe the deaij 
Of their destroyer's wife. 

Clau. Would that atonement 
Content thee ? 

Omr, Who is this } 

Car. {agitated) One of the captives, 
Whom you before examined in the tow'r. 

Omr. Speak, woman ! hast then tidings of Cla ; 
dinaf 



Act IV] CARIB CHIEF. 49 

Tre. No; she deceives ypu : she can tell you no- 
thing. 

Clau. Hear me. 

" Omr. I will : there*s something in thy face, 
" That strikes upon my soul, and seems to bring me 
" A lost reflection of departed thoughts, 
" And things loved long ago. Speak ! I will hear 
thee. 

*' Clau^ If I give up Claudina to your power, 
Will you bestow upon me in exchange, 
The life and pardon of such other captive 
As I shall ask ? 

Omr, I will — I will — discover 
My enemy's bride, ah4 — 

Clau. Swear then, by the gods i 

Omr. 1 swear ! 

Tre. She raves — she knows not what she says. 

Omr. Silence — my oath is pledged. 

Clau. I am Claudina. 

Omr. Art thou Montalbert's bride ? Thank heav'n, 
that made thee 
So much resemble her for whose lov'd memory 
Thou art to suffer ! 

Clau. Now for my reward. 

Omr. Claim it. 

Clau. I claim the freedom of Trefusis, 

Omr. Trefusis ! 

Clau. You have sworn. 

Omr. 'Twas a rash oath— • 
But 'twas Omreah's, and it must be sacred- 
Release the European. 

Tre. Oh Claudina, 
What hast thou ventured, and for whom I 

Clau. For him 
Who has done all for me. 

enter a Carih. 

Omr. Now, whence art thou? 
E 



50 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

Carib. Frono the north headland, where I have 
kept watch 
For the expected landing of the English 
From Guadaloupe. 

Tre. Well, are they come ? 

Carib. TheyVe landed, 
And lie close ranged behind their vessels, waiting 
Till duly summoned hither. 

Omr. {to Trefusis) Tarry yet : 
{to Logamah) Force off that ring he wears. 

Tre. What further outrage, 
Monster ! 

Omr. There is no Maloch now, to clog 
With creeping policy my fixed resolve, 
T'extirpate root and branch, {to Logamah) Pro 

duce the ring 
To the commander of these white allies : 
It is the token, which, as Maloch told me. 
They would expect, lest France should gain some 

note 
Of their arrival, and send false conductors, 
To snare them. Say you had it from Trefusis : 
They will accept you for their guide, and follow 
What road you point. 

Log. The cover'd swamp of reeds ? 

Omr, Thou hast it I excellent comrade, thou for- 
stall*st 
My very thought ! the darkness of the night. 
The wildly-broken paths, and sudden turns 
By copse and precipice, will cheat them on 
To that invisible peril, where they fall 
Ere they have time to fear. Once in, they plunge 
And strive in vain : the thick engulphing quagmire 
Swells round them with their bulk, and chokes down, 
While you, that know the ground, will straightway 

gain 
The narrow bridge of stones that threads the swamp, 
And bring the tidings. [exit Logamah 

Tre. Dost thou think my country 
So poor of strength, or so debased of spirit, 



Act IV] CARIB CHIEF. 51 

To brDok a deed like this ? 

Omr. I have pronounced it. 
We are the roasters now ; and, when we've clear'd 
These white pests from our land, and made it sure 
With our own forts, and all those arts of war 
The experience of your murderous tribe has taught 

us, 
We'll keep our native isle, or, losing, die for *t. 

Caribs. Long live Omreah ! Let him reign among 
usf 

Omr. Yet further : lest some babbler reach the 
English, 
Disclose the snare my guides are sent to frame, 
And bring a force to take this victim from me,— 
Station a guard to stop the pass, that leads 
Tow'rd the north headland. When the sacrifice 
Is over, not before, set this man free. 
{he gives directions to several Indiana^ who go out) 

Trc. I scorn a freedom so conferred ! bestow it 
Upon this innocent captive. 

« Omr. Shall I quit 
** The instinct Heaven has planted in all hearts, 
'* The generous lust of natural, sweet revenge ? 
*' While Europe's wise and civilized savages 
** Cut throats, as artificial passions prompt, 
" Still, still let us, the sons of purer skies, 
" Placed here at nature's sources, where her spring 
" Bursts fresh and unpolluted, follow only 
*' The genuine pulse she wakes, and freely feast 
** The inborn appetites of our fiercer spirits !" 

Clau. (to Trefusis) Do not incense him to recall 
his oath, 
Nor waste for tne the life you owe your country. 
I am mark'd out for an especial pain, 
And am prepar'd to die ; — but not to bear 
The death of those I love. 

Omr. And, that no chance 
May frustrate my intentions, and preserve 
The English from my toils, to interrupt 
These vengeful obsequies, — hasten the rites! 



52 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

And yonder, on the spot where stood their fort, 

Pile up an altar for the sacrifice. 

Half my revenge Montalbert's flight cuts off: 

But, having her, I have hjs heart in pledge, 

And will exact the forfeit. — She shall die. 

And die by me ! and he shall know that death, 

And own at last Omreah's pow'r has reach'd him ! 

Tre To perish thus, almost in sight of succour, 
Aggravates death itself. 

Car. The only way 
To reach the English, lies across the pass 
Which he has sent to guard — all hope is lost ! 

Clau. I have abandon*d hope, {to Tre.) Friend, do 
not leave me : 
Your lofty spirit will sustain my strength ! 

Tre. And what, Claudina, shall sustain my spirit ? 

Clau. Come to my prison. WeVe been parted 
long, 
And have but met again to part for ever ! 
Support me — I am faint — a sickening mist 
Spreads on my swimming eyes, and closes from me 
The scene of life I'm leaving. — Lead me on. 

{^exeunt 



ACT V. 

SCENE I — the northern headland, 

enter kathelrade and montalbert. 

Kath. Here ends our march : this is the northern 
headland ; 
And yonder lies the boat which must transport you 
To Martinique. 



Act V] CARIB CHIEF. 53 

Mont. Ere this, I trust Claudina 
Has reached the cave, and waits my coming there. 
Hark ! there's a murmur of voices— Haply 
The English force Trefusis told us of. 
If I encounter them, I shall be made 
Their prisoner ; therefore do thou climb the rock. 
And keep strict watch, while I unmoor the boat. 

Kath. Gently — the lightest plashing of the oars 
Betrays you. 

{Montalbert turns uji the stage ; Kathelrade^ going 
off" at the side^ is observed by log am ah, as he 
enters) 

Log. Who goes there ? 

Kath. My son, Logamah ? 

Log. Aye, mother ! Whither tend you thus be- 
times ? 

Kath. {aside) I must not own my errand, {to him) 
I am here 
By order of Trefusis, to await 
The expected coming of the English force, 
And send him instant warning. 

Log. I shall spare you 
That task, good mother : 

{Afontalbert afi/iears at the back of the stage ; Ka- 
thelrade motiojis to him to conceal himself) 
We have laid an ambush 
Which they will scarce escape. 

Kath. An ambush ! 

Log. Aye — 
Omreah has made prisoners of Trefusis 
And of Montalbert's wife, and one or both 
Are doom*d to die as Maloch's funeral victims ;— 
Whose rescue to prevent, and clear the isle 
For ever from these white men, prince Omreah 
Has sent me hither, a pretended guide. 
To snare their soldiers into yon morass, 
Where, to a man, they perish. And, to aid 
The project, I have here a ring, which we 
Have wrested from Trefusis, as a voucher 
E 2 



54 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

That I am sent from him. 

Kath. Beware, my son ; 
I had been well nigh robb'd of thy poor brother, 
My gentle Carbal. Having rescued him, 
Let me not thus, by thy too daring spirit. 
Lose my Logamah too. 

Log. Doubt me not, mother ; 
My own escape is well provided. Turn thee 
Back to our tents, and let Omreah know 
I'm thus far on my way. \^exit 

Mont, {coming forivard) Thank heav'n that yet 
I may avert this mischief. 

Kath. How ? By warning 
The English of this plot? 

Mont. 'Tis the sole hope 
To save my wife and friend. 

Kath. I pray you, go not ; 
They will but make you prisoner : Trust to me , 
Let me inform the English officers, 
And leave you here secure. 

Mont. You are unknown ; 
Against the strong credential of that ring, 
You will not be believed. But when I greet them, 
My name and character will be a pledge 
That I deceive them not ; and if I risk 
My own captivity, I risk but little, 
To save Ciaudina's life. 

Kath. You are too eager. {holding him) 

Mont. Oppose me not : if I delay my purpose, 
The rescue may arrive too late to serve them. 
Carbal, as chief among your native priesthood, 
Will have the conduct of the sacrifice : 
Return, and urge him, for Trefusis' sake, 
To make such hindrance of the bloody rite, 
As may give time to warn the English troops. 
And bring them to the rescue. 

Kath. But, my, son, 
Logamah—— 

Mont. Fear not for him; I will see 
To his security. 



Act V] CARIB CHIEF. 55 

Kath. I shall obey thee : 
But look thou to my son ! \_exeunt 

SCENE II — a narrow fiass between rocks — Caribs 
guarding it. 

enter CA-R^ Ah. 

Car. This is the pass 
That leads to the north headland ; it is guarded ; 
But I will try the venture. Could I reach 
The English force, and whisper but a word 
Of these sad news, the blow might yet be stay*d. 
So,— stand aside. {to the guard) 

1st Carib. Omreah's word is strict, 
That none may pass that way. 

Car. What recompence 
Should tempt you to transgress the order ? 

1st Carib. None ; 
We're watch'd too strictly : Brancho goes the 

rounds, 
To see we do our duty. He approaches — 
Stand back. 

Car. You are a trusty sentinel, 
And I will praise your vigilance to Omreah. 

enter brancho. 

Bra. All is secure. Our sentries are alert. 
And no tale-bearing messenger can now 
Make way, to warn the English of our pdrpose. 
When meet we for the sacrifice ? 

Car. Alas ! 
I fear too soon. 

Bra. Thou, that so long hast borne 
Our sacred garb, dost thou begin at last 
To tremble at the task religion dictates ? 

Car. I tremble at the task of blood, although 
Religion gloss the murder. 

Bra. Fantasy ! 



55 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

Is it not enemies* blood thou art to shed ? 
I'll tell thee, friend : I am no more possess'd 
Than thou art, with crude appetite to kill, 
For slaughter's sake ; but what Omreah wills, 
I hold it wise to further. 

Car. What he wills! 
What grace is in his will, that it should shape 
My free act with it ? 

Bran. Can'st thou not discern 
What star is rising? He has gain'd the people, 
And they have hail'd him king in Maloch's stead. 

Car. I venerate the king ; but venerate heaven 
Yet more. 

Bran. Whose servants if we would remain. 
His pleasure must be done who can uphold us. 

Car. Heaven will uphold us, if we are its servants ; 
If not, some other hand than mine must do 
Omreah's pleasure. 

Bran. You have timely notice : 
It has been still the task of our chief priest 
To wield the sacred knife : and if you now 
Desert this solemn use, for childish pity. 
Your head may answer't, Carbal. {^exit 

Car. How avoid 
This dreadful office ? I have held the priesthood 
In the fond hope to mingle with its laws 
The milder spirit of that better creed, 
Which Europe's sons have taught me : but this day 
Revives our foulest rites ! 

KATHELRADE a/ificars behind the fia^s 

2rf Carib. Who comes ? 

Kath. A friend : 
Why is this straight thus guarded ? 

2d Carib. To prevent 
All passage outward ; you, that come this way, 
May have free entrance. 
{Kathe/rade fiasses, and comes forward to Ccrbai, 

Kath. Hope revives ' Ere this 



ActV] CARIB CHIEF. 57 

The tidings of the intended sacrifice 
Have been reported to the English force ; 
And if you can retard its execution 
A single hour, your friends are saved. 

Car. Indeed' 

Kath. Within that hour the English must be here. 

Car. Who is the messenger dispatched to seek 
them ? 

Kath. A zealous and a prudent one — Montalbert ! 

Car. Then I will take the office which before 
I had resolved to shun : I will preside 
At this dire ceremonial, and contrive 
Whatever may deky it. 

Kath. Haste thee then, 
And warn Trefusis : I will keep my watch 
Around this pass, and bring you instant notice 
When the expected rescue comes in sight, [exeunt 



SCENE iii^^the ruins of the fort. 



enter claudina, trefusis, brancho, prisoners^ 
and Caribs. 



Clau. Frail nature's agony is almost past : 
But one short hour, and life, and pain, and sorrow, 
Will cease together. 

Tre. What shall comfort thee, 
Claudina, best beloved ? 

Clau. There is indeed 
No tie to knit me with the world I leave ; 
No hope that might with longer cherishing 
Have budded into joy. — I have but wander'd, 
As in a painful and perplexed dream, 
Through a dark vale of tears ; and now at last, 
Sound, quiet sleep, comes on. 



58 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

Tre. Death has no sting 
For thee, on whose cleaT mind ev'n passing thought 
Ne'er cast a breath of harm. 

Clau. The last sharp pang 
3s past : and I am ready for my fate. 

{during the last sentence, carbal has entered, and 
sfioken aside to Trefusis) 

Tre. {aside to Carbal) It is a hope too joyful to be 
trusted ; 
A thousand crosses may prevent them ! Pr'ythee, 
Let not Claudina know this chance of rescue, 
Lest disappointment aggravate her doom. 



enter omreah. 

Omr. Now, to the sacrifice— Are all things ready t 

Car. All things are ready. 

Omr. Lead her to the altar. 
You, holy priests, to which of you belongs 
The ministry of offerings to the dead ? 

Car, To me, as chief, that awful task pertains. 

Omr. Come then, draw forth the consecrated steel ; 
And ye, fire- worshipped deities, that guard 
This aboriginal and heav'n-born race, 
Give virtue to the blade, that, as it draws 
The heart's blood of the sacrifice, that stream 
May pour a cleansing tide, and its red stain 
Be on the temper'd edge for evermore, 
A talisman against the pow'rs of Europe I 
Lead her away ! the altar waits. 

Car. So soon ! 
Grant her a moment's time, but to prepare 
For this hard doom, {aside) No sign of Kathelrade, 
Nor of the English ! 



Act V] CARIB CHIEF. S9 

Omr. Heard you not my words ? 

Car. I did — but yet — 

Omr. But what ? It seems I'm chosen 
Your king, in name alone, and not in power, 
That thus I'm disobey'd. 

Car. It is in vain, — 
I cannot do it. 

Omr. What device is this? 
Do they conspire to mock, me with a pageant; 
Or have her woman's tears infected thee, 
That thou dost quail to lift the lawful knife. 
Thou ) ecreant minister of indignant heav'n, 
Against its foes and ours ? 

Car. She's not our foe ; (to the Caribs) 

Behold her, warriors I does not the bright tint 
Of that soft olive skin bespeak her rather 
Our kindred i 

Omr. {to the Caribs) Is she not Montalbert*s wife? 
Friends — husbands — fathers — men ! — have sixteen 

years 
Effaced th' engrain'd remenbrance from our souls, 
How at their lordly feet we begg'd for mercy, 
And found it not ? have our faint hearts forgotten 
How women knelt, and infants shriek'd in vain, 
As the smear'd murderers raged from hut to hut 
Amid our mountain homes, till the steep paths 
Grew slippery with our blood, and bursting flames 
Finish'd the havock of the unslaked sword ? 

Car. W t hear— 

Omr. Who loosed — who led those fiends? iVIon- 
taibert \ 
Who sold us into bondage ? rooted out 
Through all the south our homes — rights — honours — 

rule, 
And very name ? wrung tribute from the north, 
Tribute of brutish slavery, — till we rose 
Thus in our wrath and crush'd him I Nay, look there; 
Who was it, but to-night, that smote the life, 
The royal life, of him whose reverend form 
Lies on yon pile in stark cold death before you, 



60 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

Claiming that victim due ? still, still Montalbert ; 
That victim's husband ! Let her die, then, warriors, 
Ere heav*n*s displeasure wing the shaft at us ; 
For the vext ghost of our unburied Maloch 
Hovers upon us like a holy curse, 
And claims this due atonement ! 

1st Carib. Let her die : 
Why should we brave religion's ban ? If Carbal 
Refuse the office, Brancho can fulfil it 
With hand as holy. 

Bran. What religion wills, 
And the king sanctions, 1 will execute. 

Omr. Thou art a faithful servant — take the 
weapon, 
That nerveless arm renounces. 

Tre. They arrive not ; — 
Each moment seems an age. 

Car. Oh yet, have pity — 
Look at her clasped hands, her beauteous eyes. 
Streaming their silent grief— 

Clau. Nay, gentle Carbal, 
Thou but mak*st suit unto the flinty rock ! 

Otnr. {to Carbal) What ! thou'rt enamoured of 
those lucid eyes, 
That soft complexion, and the slender grace 
Of that en wreathed form ! Why such a one 
My heart once loved, and must this hour avenge J 
Yes, such was once the fond wife of my bosom : 
She had that tint, those eyes, that waving form ; 
So sweetly look'd— so passionately wept, 
And called on me for help, when in my sight, 
Bound as I was, Montalbert*s soldiers stabb'd her 1 
Such, had she 'scaped, were now my blooming 

daughter. 
Whom they pluck'd from me, as her little arms 
Clung round my neck, imploring^Oh, those wounds 
Of years long past, still, still they rankle deep, 
Still cry within me for their last relief- 
Vengeance! 



Act V] CARIB CHIEF. 61 



KATHELRAD£ Tushcs dowTi the Stage. 

Kath. They come, they come! Hold off your 
hands ! 
The English are in sight upon the hill, 
And we are yet in time ! 

Tre, It is — I see them — 
The morning twilight glimmers on their arms, 
And shows them to be near ! 

Omr. Nay then, no more 
Of superstitious doubt and weak delay. 
Hurry her to the altar ; there are yet 
Some few short moments, which shall be our own. 
Priest, do thine office — thus, thus, through her heart 
We strike to his ! 

{they hurry her to an altar at the back of the stage : 
in her struggle she drops her necklace, ivhich falls 
at Omr eah^s feet ; she is surrounded at the back 
of the stagCf so as not to be seen by the audience. 
Trefusis strives in vain to break from those nvho 
hold him. Omreah remains in front) 

Omr. (continuing) Be the blow deadly to him— 
And widowed desolation, such as mine, 
Lie cureless on his bosom ! 

Kath. No ! ye dare not ! — 
Ye dare not do it — they are close at hand — 
Th' avengers are upon you ! — 

Tre. Murderous outlaw ! 
Claudina ! Sure my coward limbs grow faint. 
Or I could dash these brutal slaves aside. 
And force the way to succour and redress ! 

Omr. What, it has gall'd thee, then .' Merciful 
Heaven ! 
What's this ? this jewel ? — Stay, officious priest, 
Stay your unhallow*d hands ! I must speak with her 
Before she dies ! 

F 



62 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

Car. {from the croivd) Your mercy comes in 
vain ; 
She bleeds to death ! 

Omr. Accursed haste— 

{she is led forward toward Trefmit) 

Clau. Support me 
Forward. Dear friend, once more farewell ! 

Omr, This chain- 
How and whence hadst it thou ? 

Clau. If in thy nature 
There's any touch of pity, keep ftie jewels, 
That if my parents live, and ever hear 
My fatal story, they may know their child 
Was poor Claudina. 

Omr. Girl— who were thy parents ? 

Clau. I know not ; for I was an infant yet, 
When, on the first invasion of this isle, 
Montalbert saved me, io the southern forest, 
From a French soldier, who had raised his sword 
To slay me for th«se gems. I*m faint ! 

Omr. It is. 
It is — the time — the place — thy mother's »oice— 
Her look — her very features — *tis my dau|;hter ? 

Clau. Can it be so ? Am I Omreah*s offspring ? 
Trefusis — 

Tre. Monster ! Heaven has turned thy rancour 
On thine own head ! 

Omr. And is it thus the parent 
Regains his long-lost child } 

Clau. Farewell, my father! 
Embrace me ere I die, {she sinks to the ground. 

He kneels) and in this kiss, 
Receive the last forgiveness of a heart 
Whose pulse now stops for ever. {diet) 

Omr. Daughter, Speak ! 
Speak to me ; let me hear that voice again, 
So like thy mother's ! — silent still ! quite dead ! 
My child, my child ! {throivs himself on the body) 



ActV] CARIB CHIEF. 63 



enter montalbert noith an English force. 

Kath. Alas I you come too late : 
T cannot tell the talc—let your own eyes 
Behold it there, and then be blind for ever ! 

Mont. What horror's here ? My wife ! my own 
Claudiaa ! 
Who has done this? 

Omr. {utarting ufi) Thou, thou hast done it all- 
Be that thy recompense ; 
{Omreah attemfits to stab Montalbert ; but the sol' 

diets, interfiosingt strike the blade out of its direC' 

tion. Omreah recovers himself instantly^ and looks 

round him) 

Am I outnumbcr'd? 

Mont, Aye, and our prisoner. 

Omr. Even so ? Then thus 
I free myself for ever, {stabs himself) Pardon me, 
Great gods, if for a moment the weak grief 
Of a fond father shook my nature's firmness ! 
Tis past, and I am nerved again. Ha ! ha ! 
Confess that I have triumph'd o*er thee, Christian ! 
I have redeemed my amplest pledge of hate 
Upon thy aching heart, which, now, I thank them. 
They would not let me pierce — since I would have 

thee 
Still live— and bear my dying curses with thee ! 

{dies) 

« Mont. Thou hast said truly. On my head, in- 
deed, 
** Is all this load of wretchedness and guilt ! 
** Trefusis, 1 am master here no more : 
** To you, and yours, this wasted land belongs ; 
** And for myself, I will remain your pri!>'ner, 
** Till peace returning, give me pow'r to choose 



64 CARIB CHIEF. [Twiss 

" Some monast*ry, where, in lone prayer and pe- 
nance, 
« I may wear out the remnant of my days. 
" Trc. Thou*rt free, Montalbert : Carbal, raise the 
bodies, 
" And when we shall have shed our parting tears 
** Upon the early grave of that sweet flower, 
•t We will again to sea, and leave the isle, 
" Thus by Heaven's aid delivered from our foes, 
" To its own heirs, the children of the soil.'* 



END %t THE CABIB CHIEF 



EPILOGUE, 

WRITTEN BY THE HON, W. R, SPENCER. 



*« 'Tis not in authors to command success, 

But to deserve it, 's more."— -No, no — 'tis less. 

Our authors have no selfish joy in view — 

And only please themselves in pleasing you. 

They deem no laurel worthy their pursuit, 

Unless *tis grafted with nutritious fruit : 

One aim is theirs (though some affect to scoff it), 

Caird by the gods. Renown ; by mortals — Profit. 

When you with loud acclaim the bards admire, 

Fame through her trumpet blows — their kitchen fire ; 

Making (sweet recompense of classic toil!) 

At once their hearts to glow — their pots to boil ! 

Fame — fame is all — and if they fail to win her. 

They may get their desert — but whereas their di?2ner ? 

But how to catch — (aye, there's the rub !) — the powei 
To please a taste that varies every hour ? 
Our elders were high-fliers from their birth, 
Whilst we, more JiUalf cling to mother earth ; — 
All in their dance was caper, vault, and bound. 
Whilst our teetotum waltz ^ust skims the ground. 
To take the air, how different are our courses — 
They cWmh^d balloons, — vse mount on — <wooden horses. 
The students now all lectures disregard, 
Not for the stablct but the timber -ysLrd. 
In vain old bucks may vaunt their *' bits of blood,** 
Whilst every dandy boasts " his bit of <wood, " 
In forests, not in pastures, breeders vie ; 
And clumps, not haras, future studs supply. 
While sanguine jockieg see, where'er they rove, 
Saplin Eclipses sprout in every grove; 
New terms must now old similes replace. 
New sporting gibes be learnt :— at hunt, or race, 
F 2 



66 EPILOGUE. 

" That nag's a stick," what connoiseur will utter ? 
'« Lame as a tree** what groom will dare to mutter \ 
Our cockneys now will fear no break neck tumble. 
On steeds that never start, and seldom stumble ; 
And hunters only one small danger find. 
To break their horses* luheelst and not their iw«(/< 
Then for our letters— o\if the sweet invention ! 
And Johnson well deserves a Palmer's pension 1 
Bus*ness or love may travel by express. 
With speed far greater, and expense far less ; 
On wood scarce thicker than a witch's broomstick. 
Laden with news, I see the hobby groom- stick 
Speed the soft intercourse from soul to soul. 
And waft a sigh o*er England — on a pole ! 
Our ^'luooden 'walls'* were long the patriot toast — 
Soon, ivooden cavalry shall be our boast ; 
And when some Wellington to conquest leads 
Our new-built squadron of— velocipedes. 
What foe will dare our prowess to withstands 
Borne on our native oak o'er sea and land ! 



LS?.?^ ^^ CONGRESS 



■ 

014 433 "'g™''''^''"'^ 




